Mali offers multi‑billion CFA franc bounties for top jihadist leaders

The government of Mali has launched a reward programme worth several billion CFA francs to obtain information that could lead to the capture or neutralisation of its most wanted terrorist commanders. The scheme, approved by the administration of military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta, places a 2 billion‑CFA‑franc bounty on Iyad Ag Ghali, head of the Al‑Qaeda‑linked JNIM, and a 1.5 billion‑CFA‑franc reward for actionable intelligence on Amadou Kouffa of the Katiba Macina network. Additional rewards target two leaders of the Front de Libération de l’Azawad – Alghabass Ag Intalla and Bilal Ag Cherif. Payments will be made to anyone who provides reliable information that results in the identification, location, arrest or elimination of the listed suspects. The announcement coincides with intensified military offensives across northern and central Mali after the April 25 attacks that killed defence minister Sadio Camara and multiple civilians and servicemen. Mali’s authorities say the initiative underscores their commitment to dismantling jihadist networks that operate throughout the Sahel.